Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has announced the government’s consideration of providing unemployment benefits to individuals enrolled in the ongoing 3 Million Technical Training (3MTT) program. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of the selection of 270,000 fellows for the program’s second cohort.
This proposal for unemployment benefits aligns with President Bola Tinubu‘s commitment to the 3MTT program, which corresponds to his pledge to generate 2 million digital jobs. The initiative aims to equip participants with the necessary skills for the global digital economy, in line with the President’s vision.
Minister Tijani stressed the significance of cultivating a tech-savvy workforce and highlighted the President’s directive to explore unemployment benefits for eligible program participants. The ultimate objective is to empower individuals, enhance the country’s GDP defense capabilities, and drive overall economic growth. The minister provided updates on the progress of the first cohort, noting that many fellows have secured internship placements nationwide. Additionally, participants are preparing for hackathons within their respective states, collaborating with peers to apply their acquired skills and develop solutions.
Recognizing the entrepreneurial potential within the program, Tijani mentioned ongoing support efforts for those interested in launching technology startups, addressing critical issues through innovative solutions. The second phase of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative has been officially inaugurated by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, & Digital Economy. This phase, serving as a pilot, will train a total of 270,000 fellows, marking 10% completion after the initial 30,000 participants.
The 3MTT initiative, aimed at positioning Nigeria as a net-exporter of tech talent, has garnered significant interest with approximately 1.8 million registrations from intended trainees across the country’s 774 local governments.
Minister Tijani outlined the program’s objectives, emphasizing the provision of cutting-edge content for fellows to learn at their own pace. The goal is to connect participants to physical learning locations near their residences over the next 12 to 18 months.
The minister reiterated the initiative’s overarching mission to empower individuals, thereby fortifying the country’s GDP defense and contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy. The launch of the second cohort underscores a continued commitment to creating opportunities for Nigerian citizens to actively participate in the global digital economy.
Source: Innovation Village